Fate's Game ~HARULAS

As Harua sat there, still processing the revelation, Nico couldn't help but notice the way Harua was squirming, his face flushed with embarrassment. Nico leaned back into the couch, a playful glint in his eyes as he watched Harua struggle to make sense of everything.

"Well, well," Nico began, his voice light and teasing, "looks like I really made an impression on you, huh? I mean, it only took one encounter and I was already your first love."

Harua's cheeks turned a shade of red that could rival a tomato, and he immediately turned his gaze away from Nico, trying to avoid his smirk. "Stop it," he mumbled, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "It's not like I—well, you know. I wasn't in love with you, it was just one weird moment."

Nico leaned in a little closer, clearly enjoying Harua's discomfort. "Oh, so I'm not your first love? Interesting." He raised an eyebrow, his tone deliberately provocative. "Then who was? And what happened to that 'you're exactly what I need' thing, huh? Sounds pretty lovey-dovey to me."

Harua groaned, covering his face with both hands. "I can't believe you're making this worse," he muttered, completely mortified.

Nico chuckled softly, clearly amused by the sight of Harua so flustered. "I'm just saying, Harua, you've been walking around with a mystery first love in your head for years and didn't even know it was me."

Harua shot Nico a sideways glance, trying to keep his composure. "It wasn't like that, alright? It's not like I spent my whole life pining for you or anything. I just... remembered that moment, and it stuck with me, okay?"

Nico's expression softened for a moment, his teasing smile turning into something more tender. "I get it. I really do. But come on, don't act like you weren't at least a little into me back then." His voice was smooth, almost coaxing, as he leaned in a bit closer, his eyes glinting mischievously. "I mean, I'm a pretty unforgettable guy."

Harua let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head. "Seriously? You really are full of yourself, huh?"

Nico smirked. "Hey, someone's got to be. Besides, it's cute when you get all defensive. I think it suits you."

Harua gave him a glare, but it lacked the usual venom. Despite his embarrassment, there was something about Nico's playful nature that made him feel a little lighter. "You're ridiculous," he muttered, though there was an undeniable softness in his voice.

Nico shrugged dramatically, his grin only widening. "Guilty as charged. But you're lucky I'm so irresistible, Harua."

Harua, unable to hold back a smile, looked away to hide the fact that his cheeks were still burning. "Ugh, you're impossible."

Nico leaned back, looking at him with a more sincere expression now. "I'm just messing with you," he said gently. "But seriously, Harua, we've both been idiots about this. Funny how life works, huh?"

Harua nodded slowly, his heart still racing, but the awkwardness starting to melt away as he processed what Nico was saying. "Yeah, I guess it is pretty funny," he admitted with a small smile.

Nico reached over, ruffling Harua's hair, the gesture light and affectionate. "And to think, all this time, we were meant to end up together. Even when we didn't know it." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "But now that you know I'm your first love, I'm expecting some grand, sweeping confession, Harua. Maybe something dramatic and movie-worthy."

Harua gave him a playful shove, though it was gentle, his embarrassment slowly turning into amusement. "Oh, shut up," he muttered, still grinning despite himself. "I think I've had enough of your drama for one lifetime."

Nico chuckled, settling back into the couch, looking satisfied with himself. "You know, I really enjoy messing with you, Harua. But I'm glad we figured all this out." His eyes softened, and for once, the teasing was gone, replaced by something deeper. "I'm glad it was you."

Harua felt his heart flutter, the lightheartedness of the moment fading into something warmer. He didn't know what to say at first, unsure of whether he was ready to admit the full extent of what he was feeling. But as he looked at Nico—at the man who had been his first love and now, his husband—he realized that, despite the mess of it all, they were exactly where they needed to be.

"Me too," Harua finally said, his voice quiet but sincere. "I guess I was just too stubborn to admit it."

Nico smiled, leaning in to rest his head on Harua's shoulder. "Well, we've both got a lot to learn. But I'm glad we're figuring it out together."